Synthetic jet pump and an associated method thereof

ABSTRACT

A synthetic jet pump and a method of pumping fluid using such a synthetic jet pump are disclosed. The synthetic jet pump includes a plurality of first stacks disposed in a series arrangement relative to each other, and a plurality of first valves. A first stack of the plurality of first stacks includes a plurality of first connector pairs coupled to a first support structure and a plurality of first bimorph pairs. The first connector pairs and the first bimorph pairs are disposed in a parallel arrangement relative to each other respectively. A bimorph of one of the first bimorph pairs is coupled to a corresponding first connector pair. The plurality of first valves is disposed at an upstream end of the plurality of first stacks. A valve of the plurality of first valves is movably coupled to a corresponding connector of the plurality of the first connector pairs.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to pumps, and more particularly tosynthetic jet pumps and method for operating such synthetic jet pumps.

Positive-displacement pumps such as a rotary vane pump, a reciprocatingpump or a diaphragm pump typically include a pump chamber, an inletvalve which opens the pump chamber to an inlet pipe during suctionstroke, an outlet valve which opens the pump chamber to a discharge pipeduring discharge stroke, and a drive mechanism. The pumping action isgenerated through alternating filling and clearing of the pump chamber,caused by motion generated due to a drive mechanism of the pump. Suchpumps generally include one or more frictional parts such as pistons,vanes mounted on a rotor, and the like. Typically, suchpositive-displacement pumps are complex in nature due to: i) manyinterconnected components such as connecting rods and rotating cranks,which are coupled to the frictional parts, and ii) other components suchas bearings, motors coupled to the interconnected components. Therefore,positive-displacement pumps may be relatively expensive to install andmaintain. Further, such positive-displacement pumps may not be flexiblein nature, thereby making such pumps difficult to install in manyretrofit applications. Accordingly, there is a need for an enhanced pumpwhich is substantially free of frictional components and is flexibleenough to perform retrofit installation in many applications, and amethod for operating such a pump.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present description, a syntheticjet pump is disclosed. The synthetic jet pump includes a plurality offirst stacks and a plurality of first valves. The plurality of firststacks is disposed in a series arrangement relative to each other. Afirst stack of the plurality of first stacks includes a plurality offirst connector pairs and a plurality of first bimorph pairs. Theplurality of first connector pairs is coupled to a first supportstructure. The first connector pairs are disposed in a parallelarrangement relative to each other and the first bimorph pairs aredisposed in a parallel arrangement relative to each other. A bimorph ofone of the first bimorph pairs is coupled to a corresponding firstconnector pair. The plurality of first valves is disposed at an upstreamend of the plurality of first stacks. A valve of the plurality of firstvalves is movably coupled to a corresponding connector of the pluralityof the first connector pairs.

In accordance with another aspect of the present description, asynthetic jet pump is disclosed. The synthetic jet pump includes aplurality of stacks and a plurality of valves. The plurality of stacksis arranged in an array. Each stack of the plurality of stacks includesa plurality of connector pairs and a plurality of bimorph pairs. Theplurality of connector pairs is coupled to a support structure. Theconnector pairs are disposed in a parallel arrangement relative to eachother. The plurality of bimorph pairs is disposed in a parallelarrangement relative to each other and each bimorph of the bimorph pairis coupled to a corresponding first connector pair. The plurality ofvalves is disposed at an upstream end of the plurality of stacks. Eachvalve of the plurality of valves is movably coupled to a correspondingconnector of the plurality of connectors pairs.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present description, amethod for pumping fluid using a synthetic jet pump is disclosed. Themethod includes step (i) of actuating a plurality of first valves toallow intake of a fluid into a plurality of first stacks disposed in aseries arrangement relative to each other. A first stack of theplurality of first stacks includes a plurality of first bimorph pairsand the first bimorph pairs are disposed in a parallel arrangementrelative to each other. The method further includes the step (ii) ofactuating a first bimorph pair of a first stack by applying a firstvoltage signal such that the first bimorph pair expands for receivingthe fluid. Further, the method includes step (iii) of actuating amutually adjacent first bimorph pair of a first stack that is seriallyarranged with respect to the first stack of the step (ii), by applying asecond voltage signal such that the mutually adjacent first bimorph paircontracts for discharging the fluid. The second voltage signal is 180degrees phase shifted from the first voltage signal.

DRAWINGS

These and other features and aspects of embodiments of the presenttechnique will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a synthetic jet pumpincluding a plurality of first stacks, in accordance with oneembodiment:

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a plurality of first bimorph pairs in afirst stack of the plurality of first stacks, in accordance with theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another portion of the synthetic jetpump including a plurality of second stacks, in accordance with theembodiments of FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an operating stage of thesynthetic jet pump, in accordance with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an operating stage of a synthetic jetpump, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a synthetic jet pump, in accordance withanother embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a sectional perspective view of a synthetic jet pump disposedin a casing, in accordance with one embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for a method of pumping fluid using a syntheticjet pump, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following specification and the claims, the singular forms “a”,“an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. As used herein, the term “or” is not meant to beexclusive and refers to at least one of the referenced components beingpresent and includes instances in which a combination of the referencedcomponents may be present, unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification andclaims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation thatcould permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basicfunction to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a termor terms, such as “about,” is not limited to the precise valuespecified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspondto the precision of an instrument for measuring the value.

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in theart to which this description belongs. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive, and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Theterms “first”, “second”, and the like, as used herein do not denote anyorder, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish oneelement from another. In the following specification and the claims thatfollow, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

To more clearly and concisely describe and point out the subject matter,the following definitions are provided for specific terms, which areused throughout the following description and the appended claims,unless specifically denoted otherwise with respect to a particularembodiment. The term “synthetic jet pump” as used herein refers to apump made of piezoelectric materials, which may be actuated usingelectric power to pump a fluid from an upstream end to a downstream end.For example, the synthetic jet pump may include a plurality of bimorphpairs configured to expand and contract for receiving and dischargingthe fluid respectively. The term “bimorph” as used herein refers to acantilever element which may be actuated using electric power to expandor contract for receiving and discharging the fluid respectively. Theterm “stack” as used herein refers to an arrangement of a plurality ofbimorph pairs arranged in a radial direction with respect to the flow offluid. The term “series arrangement” as used herein refers to sequentialarrangement of the components along a direction of a flow of the fluid,for example, along the longitudinal direction. Therefore, a plurality ofstacks that are sequentially arranged would refer to stacks thatarranged along the direction of the fluid flow. The term “parallelarrangement” as herein refers to sequential arrangement of thecomponents along the radial direction or a lateral direction of thesynthetic jet pump. Therefore, a plurality of first stacks and secondstacks that are parallelly arranged would refer to stacks that arrangedalong the radial direction or a lateral direction of the synthetic jetpump. The term “array” as used herein refers to an arrangement of stacksin rows and columns. For example, the term array as used herein refersto arrangement of the plurality of stacks along the lateral directionand the longitudinal direction. The term “movably coupled” as usedherein refers to a valve coupled to the connector such that the valvemay tilt upwards or downwards relative to the connector to either openor close the valve for allowing the flow of the fluid or stop the fluidrespectively. The term “upstream end” as used herein refers to an inletsection of a component configured to receive a flow of fluid. Forexample, the term “an upstream end of a bimorph” refers to the inletsection of the bimorph for receiving the flow of the fluid. Similarly,the term “downstream end” as used herein refers to an outlet section ofthe component configured to discharge the fluid.

In some embodiments, a synthetic jet pump configured to pump fluid ispresented. Non-limiting examples of the fluid that may be pumped usingthe synthetic jet pump in accordance with embodiments of the disclosureinclude multiphase hydrocarbon fluid, exhaust fluid, syngas, orcombinations thereof.

The synthetic jet pump includes a plurality of first stacks and aplurality of first valves. Each stack within the plurality of firststacks is disposed in a series arrangement relative to each other. Astack of the plurality of first stacks includes a plurality of firstconnector pairs and a plurality of first bimorph pairs. The plurality offirst connector pairs is coupled to a first support structure. The firstconnector pairs are disposed in a parallel arrangement relative to eachother. The first bimorph pairs are disposed in a parallel arrangementrelative to each other. A bimorph of one of the first bimorph pairs iscoupled to a corresponding first connector pair. The plurality of valvesis disposed at an upstream end of the plurality of first stacks. A valveof the plurality of first valves is movably coupled to a correspondingconnector of the plurality of the first connector pairs.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a synthetic jetpump 100 according to one embodiment of the description. In one exampleembodiment, the portion of the synthetic jet pump 100 includes aplurality of first stacks 106 and a plurality of first valves 126.

In one embodiment, the plurality of first stacks 106 includes a firststack 106 a and a mutually adjacent first stack 106 b, which aredisposed in a series arrangement relative to each other. In theillustrated embodiment, the first stacks 106 a and the mutually adjacentfirst stack 106 b are disposed along a longitudinal direction 111 of thesynthetic jet pump 100.

In one embodiment, the first bimorph pairs 113 are disposed in aparallel arrangement relative to each other. In the illustratedembodiment, each first bimorph pair of the plurality of first bimorphpairs 113 is disposed along the radial direction 131. In one exampleembodiment, the first bimorph pair 113 in the first stack 106 a includesa first bimorph 113 a and another first bimorph 113 b. The firstbimorphs 113 a, 113 b of the first bimorph pair 113 are disposed in theparallel arrangement relative to each other. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the first stack 106 a includes the plurality offirst bimorphs 113 a, 113 b, 113 e, 113 f disposed in the parallelarrangement relative to one another, along the radial direction 131.Similarly, in one example embodiment, the first bimorph pair 113 in themutually adjacent first stack 106 b includes a first bimorph 113 c andanother first bimorph 113 d. The first bimorphs 113 c, 113 d aredisposed in the parallel arrangement relative to each other. In certainembodiments, a bimorph of the plurality of bimorph pairs includes apiezoelectric material. In some embodiments, the bimorph of theplurality of bimorph pairs may include an inactive layer and two activelayers, each coupled to a mutually opposite surface of the inactivelayer. In one embodiment, each of the two active layers may include apiezoceramic material, or polymeric material, or metal alloy, and thelike. Further, each of the two active layers may have a mutuallyopposite polarity. During operation, each of the plurality of bimorphpairs 113 may produce a pressure difference over its ambient conditionby moving the inactive layer in either upwards or downwards direction.In such an arrangement, each of the plurality of bimorph pairs 113 maysequentially expand and contract, thereby moving the fluid 105 throughthe bimorph pair 113 in the first stack 106 a to a mutually adjacentbimorph pair 113 in the mutually adjacent first stack 106 b disposed ina series arrangement relative to each other (as illustrated anddescribed in detail later with respect to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5).

In some embodiments, the first stack 106 a and the mutually adjacentfirst stack 106 b include a plurality of first connector pairs 130 and aplurality of first bimorph pairs 113. The first connector pairs 130 aredisposed in a parallel arrangement relative to each other. In theillustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of first connector pairs130 is disposed along a radial direction 131 of the synthetic jet pump100. The plurality of first connector pairs 130 is coupled to a firstsupport structure 114 a. In some embodiments, the plurality of firstconnector pairs 130 and the first support structure 114 a are integratedto each other as a single component. In such embodiments, the pluralityof first connector pairs 130 extends from one surface of the firstsupport structure 114 a along a lateral direction 121 of the syntheticjet pump 100. Further, one first connector, for example, a downstreamfirst connector 130 a disposed in the first stack 106 a is furthercoupled to a mutually adjacent first connector, for example, an upstreamfirst connector 130 b disposed in the mutually adjacent first stack 106b. In some embodiment, the first support structure 114 a and theplurality of first connector pairs 130 are made of steel material. Insome other embodiments, the first support structure 114 a and theplurality of first connector pairs 130 may be made of polymer materialand the like.

In one embodiment, the first bimorph 113 a of the first bimorph pair 113is coupled to the corresponding first connector pair 130. Specifically,the first bimorph 113 a is coupled to the upstream first connector 130 cand the downstream first connector 130 a of the first connector pair130. Similarly, the first bimorph 113 c is coupled to the upstream firstconnector 130 b and a downstream first connector 130 d of the firstconnector pair 130. In one embodiment, the first bimorphs 113 a, 113 bin the first stack 106 a are in fluid communication with the firstbimorphs 113 c, 113 c in the mutually adjacent and serially arrangedfirst stack 106 b. In one example embodiment, the first bimorphs 113 a,113 b in the first stack 106 a and the first bimorphs 113 c, 113 d inthe mutually adjacent first stack 106 b define a first flow path 122such that the first stack 106 a and the mutually adjacent first stack106 h are in fluid communication with each other.

The plurality of first valves 126 is disposed at an upstream end 116 aof the plurality of first stacks 106. In the illustrated embodiment, theplurality of first valves 126 are disposed along the radial direction131. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of first valves 126 ismovably coupled to a corresponding upstream first connector of the firstconnector pair 130 in the first stack 106 a. In one example embodiment,a first valve 126 a of the plurality of first valves 126 is movablycoupled to a corresponding upstream first connector 130 c of theplurality of first connector pairs 130 in the first stack 106 a.

The synthetic jet pump 100 further includes a plurality of power supplylines 120. In some embodiments, the plurality of power supply lines 120is coupled to at least one power source (not shown). In the illustratedembodiment, the synthetic jet pump 100 includes two first power supplylines 120 a, 120 b. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of powersupply lines 120 may be configured to supply electric power to theplurality of first bimorph pairs 113.

During operation, the plurality of first valves 126 are actuated toallow intake of fluid 105 into the first stack 106 a. In the illustratedembodiment, the fluid 105 flows along the longitudinal direction 111. Inone example embodiment, at least two first valves 126 a, 126 b areactuated to allow the intake of the fluid 105 into the first flow path122. The first bimorph pair 113 in the first stack 106 a is actuated byapplying a first voltage signal such that the first bimorphs 113 a, 113b expand for receiving the fluid 105. In some embodiments, the term“expand” as used in the context means moving the first bimorphs 113 a,113 b along a first radial direction 131 a and a second radial direction131 b respectively, to define a convex shape (as shown by first bimorphs113 c, 113 d in FIG. 4) for the first flow path 122, and therebyallowing the first bimorph pair 113 to receive the fluid 105. In certainembodiments, the actuation of the first bimorphs 113 a, 113 b may alsoresult in actuating the at least two first valves 126 a, 126 bsimultaneously, to allow the intake of the fluid 105 into the firststack 106 a. Further, the first bimorph pair 113 in the mutuallyadjacent first stack 106 b is actuated by applying a second voltagesignal such that the first bimorphs 113 c, 113 d in the mutuallyadjacent first stack 106 b contract for discharging the fluid 105. Insome embodiments, the term “contract” as used in the context meansmoving the first bimorphs 113 c, 113 d along the second radial direction131 b and the first radial direction 131 a respectively, to define aconcave shape as shown by first bimorphs 113 a, 113 b in FIG. 4) to thefirst flow path 122, and thereby allowing the first bimorph pair 113 todischarge the fluid 105. In certain embodiments, the first bimorphs 113a, 113 b in the first stack 106 a and the first bimorphs 113 c, 113 c inthe mutually adjacent first stack 106 b are actuated simultaneously topump the fluid 105 from the upstream end 116 a to a downstream end 118 aof the plurality of first bimorph pairs 113.

After the intake of fluid 105 in the first bimorph pair 113 in the firststack 106 a, the first bimorph pair 113 is further actuated by applyingthe second voltage signal such that the first bimorphs 113 a, 113 bcontracts for discharging the fluid 105. In such embodiments, theactuation of first bimorph pair 113 in the first stack 106 a maysimultaneously actuate the first valves 126 a, 126 b to i) stop theintake of the fluid 105 into the first flow path 122 in the first stack106 a and ii) prevent the back flow of the fluid 105 from the first flowpath 122 to the upstream end 116 a. Further, the first bimorph pair 113in the mutually adjacent first stack 106 b may be actuated by applyingthe first voltage signal such that the first bimorphs 113 c, 113 d ofthe first bimorph pair 113 expand for receiving the fluid 105 from thefirst bimorph pair 113 in the first stack 106 a.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a plurality of first bimorph pairs 113 inthe first stack 106 a of the plurality of first stacks 106 according tothe embodiment of FIG. 1. It should be noted herein that FIG. 2represents the first stack 106 a viewed from the upstream end 116 a ofthe plurality of first stack 106 i.e., viewed from a direction of a flowof the fluid 105.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first stack 106 a includes two firstbimorph pairs 113, which are disposed in a parallel arrangement relativeto each other. In the illustrated embodiment, each bimorph of the twofirst bimorph pairs 113 are disposed along a radial direction 131. Thefirst bimorph pair 113 includes a first bimorph 113 a and another firstbimorph 113 b. Similarly, another first bimorph pair 113 includes afirst bimorph 113 e and another first bimorph 113 f. The first bimorphs113 a, 113 b define a first flow path 122 there between, and the firstbimorphs 113 e, 113 f also define another first flow path 122 therebetween. In certain embodiments, the two first bimorphs 113 b, 113 e ofthe of mutually adjacent first bimorph pairs 113 further define a firstsub-fluid path 122 a. In one embodiment, the first bimorphs 113 a, 113b, 113 e, 113 f of the plurality of first bimorph pairs 113 includes apiezoelectric material. In some embodiments, the first bimorphs 113 a,113 b, 113 e, 113 f of the first bimorph pairs 113 includes a centralinactive layer and two active layers. The term “active layer” as usedherein refers to a surface of the bimorph 113 that is sensitive andresponsive to polarity of applied voltage. The term “passive layer” asused herein refers to a surface of the bimorph 113 that is insensitiveand non-responsive to the polarity of applied voltage, and whichfunctions as a support structure for the active layers. In suchembodiments, the two active layers are coupled to mutually oppositesurfaces of the central inactive layer. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, the first bimorph 113 a includes a central inactive layer152 such as a shim, and two active layers 154, 156 such as piezoceramiclayers. In one embodiments, the two active layers 154, 156 are coupledto mutually opposite surfaces 158, 160 of the central inactive layer 152respectively.

In one example embodiment, the synthetic jet pump 100 further includes apower supply source 150 and a first power supply line 120 a extendingfrom the power supply source 150 and coupled to the first bimorphs 113a, 113 b, 113 e, 113 f. In some embodiments, the power supply source 150is an alternating current supply source. In some other embodiments, thepower supply source 150 may be a direct current supply source. In theillustrated embodiment, the first power supply line 120 a includes afirst voltage signal line 107 a and a second voltage signal line 107 b.The first voltage signal line 107 a is coupled to top surfaces 162, 170of the first bimorphs 113 a, 113 e and to the bottom surfaces 168, 176of the first bimorphs 113 b, 113 f respectively. Similarly, the secondvoltage signal line 107 b is coupled to top surfaces 166, 174 of thefirst bimorphs 113 b, 113 f and to the bottom surfaces 164, 172 of thefirst bimorphs 113 a, 113 e respectively. In some embodiments, the firstvoltage signal line 107 a has a positive polarity and the second voltagesignal line 107 b has a negative polarity. In other words, the firstvoltage signal line 107 a is 180 degrees phase shifted from the secondvoltage signal line 107 b. In one embodiment, mutually opposite surfaces162, 168 of the first bimorph pair 113 have a first polarity andmutually adjacent surfaces 164, 166 of the first bimorph pair 113 have asecond polarity different from the first polarity. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the mutually opposite surfaces 162, 168 have apositive polarity and the mutually adjacent surfaces 164, 166 have anegative polarity.

During operation, the first bimorphs 113 a, 113 b, 113 e, 113 f areactuated by applying a first voltage signal via the first voltage signalline 107 a. The actuation of the first bimorph pairs 113 causes thefirst bimorphs 113 a, 113 e to move along a first radial direction 131 aand the first bimorphs 113 b, 113 f to move along a second radialdirection 131 b, thereby causing the first flow path 122 to expand forreceiving the fluid. In certain embodiments, the actuation of the firstbimorphs 113 b, 113 e causes the first sub-fluid path 122 a to contract,thereby discharge the fluid from the first sub-fluid path 122 a. Afterthe intake of fluid in the first flow path 122, the first bimorphs 113a, 113 b, 113 e, 113 f are further actuated by applying a second voltagesignal via the second voltage signal line 107 b. The actuation of thefirst bimorph pairs 113 causes the first bimorphs 113 a, 113 e to movealong the second radial direction 131 b and the first bimorphs 113 b,113 f to move along the first radial direction 131 a, thereby causingthe first flow path 122 to contract for discharging the fluid. Incertain embodiments, the actuation of the first bimorphs 113 b, 113 ecauses the first sub-fluid path 122 a to expand, thereby receiving thefluid.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another portion of thesynthetic jet pump 100 according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-2. In oneexample embodiment, the other portion of the synthetic jet pump 100includes a plurality of second stacks 108 and a plurality of secondvalves 128.

The plurality of second stacks 108 includes a second stack 108 a and amutually adjacent second stack 108 b, which are disposed in a seriesarrangement relative to each other. In some embodiments, the secondstack 108 a and the mutually adjacent second stack 108 b include aplurality of second connector pairs 132 and a plurality of secondbimorph pairs 123. The plurality of second connector pairs 132 iscoupled to a second support structure 114 b. In one example embodiment,the second bimorph pair 123 in the second stack 108 a includes a secondbimorph 123 a and another second bimorph 123 b. Similarly, in oneexample embodiment, the second bimorph pair 123 in the mutually adjacentsecond stack 108 h includes a second bimorph 123 c and another secondbimorph 123 d. The second bimorph 123 a is coupled to the upstreamsecond connector 132 c and the downstream second connector 132 a of thesecond connector pair 132. Similarly, the second bimorph 123 c iscoupled to the upstream second connector 132 b and a downstream secondconnector 132 d of the second connector pair 132. In one exampleembodiment, the second bimorphs 123 a, 123 b in the second stack 108 aand the second bimorphs 123 c, 123 d in the mutually adjacent secondstack 108 b define a second flow path 124 such that the second stack 108a and the mutually adjacent second stack 108 b are in fluidcommunication with each other.

The plurality of second valves 128 is disposed at an upstream end 116 bof the plurality of second stacks 108. In some embodiments, each of theplurality of second valves 128 is movably coupled to a correspondingupstream second connector of the second connector pair 132 in the secondstack 108 a. In one example embodiment, a second valve 128 a of theplurality of second valves 128 is movably coupled to a correspondingupstream second connector 132 c of the plurality of the second connectorpairs 132 in the second stack 108 a. The synthetic jet pump 100 furtherincludes the plurality of power supply lines 120. In the illustratedembodiment, the synthetic jet pump 100 includes two first power supplylines 120 a, 120 b. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of powersupply lines 120 is configured to supply electric power to the pluralityof second bimorph pairs 123.

The plurality of second bimorph pairs 123 is substantially similar tothe plurality of first bimorph pairs 113 of the embodiment of FIG. 2.Although not illustrated, the second bimorphs 123 a, 123 b have the samepolarity as that of the first bimorphs 113 a, 113 b as discussed in theembodiment of FIG. 2. In other words, mutually opposite surfaces of thesecond bimorphs 123 a, 123 b of the second bimorph pair 123 have a firstpolarity and mutually adjacent surfaces of the second bimorphs 123 a,123 b of the second bimorph pair 123 have a second polarity differentfrom the first polarity. For example, the mutually opposite surfaces ofthe second bimorphs 123 a, 123 b have a positive polarity, which issimilar to the polarity of the mutually opposite surfaces 162, 168 ofthe first bimorphs 113 a, 113 b, as discussed in the embodiment of FIG.2. Further, the mutually adjacent surfaces of the second bimorphs 123 a,123 b have a negative polarity, which is similar to the polarity of themutually adjacent surfaces 164, 166 of the first bimorphs 113 a, 113 b,as discussed in the embodiment of FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, the plurality of first stacks 106 and the pluralityof second stacks 108 are configured to pump the fluid 105simultaneously, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4. In some otherembodiments, the plurality of first stacks 106 and the plurality ofsecond stacks 108 are configured to pump the fluid 105 sequentially, asshown in the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an operating stage ofthe synthetic jet pump 100 including the plurality of first stacks 106and the plurality of second stacks 108, according to the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-3. The plurality of second stacks 108 is disposed adjacent tothe plurality of first stacks 106 in a parallel arrangement relative tothe plurality of first stacks 106. In other words, the plurality offirst stacks 106 and the plurality of second stacks 108 are disposedparallel to each other with respect to a flow of the fluid 105. Althoughnot illustrated, the first support structure 114 a is coupled to thesecond support structure 114 b via the plurality of second connectorpairs 132 to form the synthetic jet pump 100. Specifically, other freeends of the plurality of second connector pairs 132, which are notconnected to the second support structure 114 b may be further coupledto another surface of the first support structure 114 a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the array has of 2×2 arrangement of theplurality of first stacks 106 and the plurality of second stacks 108.However, as described in detail later, other configurations of the arrayare also envisaged within the scope of the present description.

During operation, the synthetic jet pump 100 is configured to pump fluid105 from the upstream end 116 to the downstream end 118. It should benoted herein that method for the operating the synthetic jet pump 100 isdiscussed herein using the first bimorphs 113 a, 113 b, 113 c, 113 d ofthe first bimorph pairs 113 and the second bimorphs 123 a, 123 b, 123 c,123 d of the second bimorph pairs 123 for ease of describing the methodand such a description should not be construed as a limitation of thedisclosed technique. The first bimorphs 113 a, 113 b of the firstbimorph pair 113 in the first stack 106 a and the second bimorphs 123 a,123 b of the second bimorph pair 123 in the second stack 108 a areactuated by applying the second voltage signal such that the firstbimorphs 113 a, 113 b and the second bimorph 123 a, 123 b contract todischarge the fluid 105 from the first flow path 122 and the second flowpath 124 respectively. In such embodiments, the first valves 126 a, 126b and the second valves 128 a, 128 b are actuated to stop intake of thefluid 105 into the first flow path 122 and the second flow path 124respectively. The first bimorphs 113 c, 113 d of the first bimorph pair113 in the mutually adjacent first stack 106 b and the second bimorphs123 c, 123 d of the second bimorph pair 123 in the mutually adjacentsecond stack 108 b are actuated by applying the first voltage signalsuch that the first bimorph 113 c, 113 d and the second bimorphs 123 c,123 d expand to receive the fluid 105 along the first flow path 122 andthe second flow path 124 respectively. Specifically, the mutuallyadjacent first stack 106 b and the mutually adjacent second stack 108 breceives the fluid 105 from the first stack 106 a and the second stack108 a respectively.

As mentioned earlier, in some embodiments, the synthetic jet pump 100further includes a first sub-fluid path 122 a, which is formed by thefirst bimorphs 113 b, 113 e of the first bimorph pair 113 and the firstbimorphs 113 d, 113 g of a mutually adjacent first bimorph pair 113.Similarly, the synthetic jet pump 100 further includes a secondsub-fluid path 124 a, which is formed by the second bimorphs 123 b, 123e of the second bimorph pair 123 and the second bimorphs 123 d, 123 g ofa mutually adjacent second bimorph pairs 123. In such embodiments, theactuation of the first valves 126 b, 126 c and the second valves 128 b,128 c allows intake of the fluid 105 into the first sub-fluid path 122 ain the first stack 106 a and the second sub-fluid path 124 a in thesecond stack 108 a. The actuation of the first bimorphs 113 b, 113 e byapplying the second voltage signal may result in expanding the firstbimorphs 113 b, 113 e to receive the fluid 105 in the first sub-fluidpath 122 a in the first stack 106 a. Similarly, the actuation of thesecond bimorphs 123 b, 123 e by applying the second voltage signal mayresult in expanding the second bimorphs 123 b, 123 e to receive thefluid 105 in the second sub-fluid path 124 a in the second stack 108 a.Further, the actuation of the first bimorphs 113 d, 113 g by applyingthe first voltage signal may result in contracting the first bimorphs113 d, 113 g to discharge the fluid 105 from the first sub-fluid path122 a in the mutually adjacent first stack 106 b. Similarly, theactuation of the second bimorphs 123 d, 123 g by applying the firstvoltage signal may result in contracting the second bimorphs 123 d, 123g to discharge the fluid 105 from the second sub-fluid path 124 a in themutually adjacent second stack 108 b.

In the illustrated embodiments, the plurality of first stacks 106 andthe plurality of second stacks 108 are configured to pump the fluid 105simultaneously, thereby increasing the flow rate of the fluid 105 beingpumped from the synthetic jet pump 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates perspective view of an operating stage of thesynthetic jet pump 100, according to one embodiment of the description.In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of first stacks 106 and theplurality of second stacks 108 of the synthetic jet pump 100 areconfigured to pump the fluid 105 sequentially.

In the illustrated embodiment, mutually opposite surfaces of the firstbimorph 113 a, 113 b has a first polarity, such as a positive polarity,and mutually adjacent surfaces of the first bimorph 113 a, 113 b has asecond polarity, such as a negative polarity. Similarly, mutuallyopposite surfaces of the first bimorph 113 c, 113 d has the secondpolarity, such as the negative polarity, and mutually adjacent surfacesof the first bimorph 113 g, 113 h has the first polarity, such as thepositive polarity. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, mutuallyopposite surfaces of the second bimorph 123 a, 123 b has a secondpolarity, such as a negative polarity, and mutually adjacent surfaces ofthe second bimorph 123 a, 123 b has a first polarity, such as a positivepolarity. Similarly, mutually opposite surfaces of the second bimorph123 c, 123 d (similar to the second bimorph 123 d as shown in FIG. 4)has the first polarity, such as the positive polarity, and mutuallyadjacent surfaces of the second bimorph 123 g, 123 h (similar to thesecond bimorph 123 g, 123 h as shown in FIG. 4) has the second polarity,such as the negative polarity.

During operation, the first bimorph 113 a, 113 b is actuated by applyingthe first voltage signal, thereby expanding the first bimorph 113 a, 113b in the radial direction 131 for receiving fluid 105. Further, thefirst bimorph 113 c, 113 d is actuated by applying the second voltagesignal, thereby contracting the first bimorph 113 c, 113 d in the radialdirection 131 for discharging the fluid 105. Thus, at one time intervalduring operation of the synthetic jet pump, the plurality of firststacks is configured to discharge the fluid 105. Similarly, the secondbimorph 123 a, 123 b is actuated by applying the second voltage signal,thereby contracting the second bimorph 123 a, 123 b in the radialdirection 131 for discharging the fluid 105. Further, the second bimorph123 c, 123 d is actuated by applying the first voltage signal, therebyexpanding the second bimorph 123 c, 123 d in the radial direction 131for receiving the fluid 105. Thus, at the same time interval duringoperation of the synthetic jet pump, the plurality of first stacks isconfigured to receive the fluid 105. Therefore, in such embodiments, theplurality of first stacks 106 and the plurality of second stacks 108 areconfigured to pump the fluid 105 sequentially.

In some embodiments, the synthetic jet pump includes a plurality ofstacks arranged in an array and a plurality of valves disposed at anupstream end of the plurality of stacks. In one embodiment, each stackof the plurality of stacks includes a plurality of connector pairs and aplurality of bimorph pairs. The plurality of connector pairs is coupledto a support structure, wherein the connector pairs are disposed in aparallel arrangement relative to each other. The plurality of bimorphpairs is disposed in a parallel arrangement relative to each other, andwherein each bimorph of the bimorph pair is coupled to a correspondingfirst connector pair. Further, each valve of the plurality of valves ismovably coupled to a corresponding connector of the plurality ofconnectors pairs.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a synthetic jet pump 200according to another embodiment of the description. In one embodiment,the synthetic jet pump 200 includes a plurality of stacks 202 and aplurality of valves 204. The synthetic jet pump 200 is configured topump fluid 105 from an upstream end 216 to a downstream end 218 of thesynthetic jet pump 200 via the plurality of stacks 202.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of stacks 202 includes aplurality of first stacks 206, a plurality of second stacks 208, aplurality of third stacks 256, and a plurality of fourth stacks 258.Each stack of the plurality of first, second, third, and fourth stacks206, 208, 256, 258 is disposed in a series arrangement relative to eachother. In the illustrated embodiment, each stack of the plurality offirst, second, third, and fourth stacks 206, 208, 256, 258 is disposedalong a longitudinal direction 111 of the synthetic jet pump 200.Specifically, the synthetic jet pump 200 includes six first stacks 206,which are disposed in the series arrangement relative to each other, sixsecond stacks 208, which are disposed in the series arrangement relativeto each other, six third stacks 256, which are disposed in the seriesarrangement relative to each other, and six fourth stacks 258, which aredisposed in the series arrangement relative to each other. Further, theplurality of first, second, third, and fourth stacks 206, 208, 256, 258are disposed parallel to each other relative to a flow of the fluid 105and along a lateral direction 121 of the synthetic jet pump 200.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the plurality of first, second,third, and fourth stacks 206, 208, 256, 258 are arranged in the array.For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the array has a 4×6arrangement of the plurality of stacks 202. Non-limiting example of thearray may include 2×2, 2×4, 4×4, 3×6, and the like, based on desirableamount of the fluid 105 to be pumped from the synthetic jet pump 200 andflow rate at which the fluid 105 needs to be pumped by the synthetic jetpump 200. In some embodiments, the array has an n×m arrangement of theplurality of stacks 202, wherein n is from 2 to 100 and in is from 2 to100.

Each stack of the plurality of stacks 202 includes a plurality ofconnector pairs 210 and a plurality of bimorph pairs 212. The pluralityof connector pairs 210 is disposed in a parallel arrangement relative toeach other. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of connectorpairs 210 is disposed along a radial direction 131 of the synthetic jetpump 200. Each of the plurality of connector pairs 210 is coupled to asupport structure 214.

In some embodiments, the plurality of bimorph pairs 212 is disposed in aparallel arrangement relative to each other. In the illustratedembodiment, the plurality of bimorph pairs 212 is disposed along aradial direction 131 of the synthetic jet pump 200. In the illustratedembodiment, each stack of the plurality of stacks 202 includes eightconnector pairs 210 and four bimorph pairs 212. In such an embodiment,each bimorph of the bimorph pair 212 is coupled to at least oneconnector pair 210. In one embodiment, each bimorph of the plurality ofbimorph pairs 212 includes a piezoelectric material.

In one embodiment, each bimorph pair 212 in each stack of the pluralityof first, second, third, and fourth stacks 206, 208, 256, 258 defines aflow path between them. In some embodiments, the plurality of first,second, third, and fourth stacks 206, 208, 256, 258 are not in fluidcommunication with each other. For example, the plurality of firststacks 206 is fluidly separated from the plurality of second stacks 208via the support structure 214. In some embodiments, the stacks in theplurality of first, second, third, and fourth stacks 206, 208, 256, 258are in fluid communication with each other. For example, the firststacks in the plurality of first stacks 206 are in fluid communicationwith each other. Similarly, the second stacks in the plurality of secondstacks 208 are in fluid communication with each other.

The plurality of valves 204 is disposed at the upstream end 216 of thesynthetic jet pump 200. Each of the plurality of valves 204 is movablycoupled to a corresponding connector of the plurality of connectorspairs 210 in the first stack of the plurality of first, second, third,and fourth stacks 206, 208, 256, 258. In some embodiments, each of theplurality of valves 204 may be configured to function like a hinge. Insuch embodiments, each of the of the plurality of valves 204 may tiltupwards or downwards relative to the connector of the connector pair 210to open or close the corresponding valve 204. Specifically, at leastsome valves of the plurality of valves 204 are configured to openthereby allowing intake of the fluid 105 into some of the plurality ofstacks 202, or at least some valves of the plurality of valves 204 areconfigured to close thereby stopping the intake of the fluid 105 intosome of the plurality of stacks 202. In one embodiment, each valve ofthe plurality of valves 204 is a check valve. In some embodiments, eachvalve of the plurality of valves 204 is made of polymer material. Insome other embodiments, each valve of the plurality of valves 204 ismade of steel material, and the like.

The synthetic jet pump 200 further includes a plurality of power supplylines 220. In some embodiments, the plurality of power supply lines 220is coupled to at least one power source (not shown). In the illustratedembodiment, the synthetic jet pump 200 includes six power supply lines220 a, 220 b, 220 c, 220 d, 220 e, 220 f. In some embodiments, theplurality of power supply lines 220 may be configured to supply electricpower to the plurality of bimorph pairs 212.

It should be noted herein that the method of operating the synthetic jetpump 200 is discussed herein by referring to the plurality of firststacks 206, for ease of description only. During operation, each of theplurality of valves 204 corresponding to the plurality of first stack206 is actuated to open for allowing intake of the fluid 105 into theplurality of first stacks 206. In some embodiments, the bimorph pair 212in a first stack 206 a of the plurality of first stacks 206 is actuatedby applying a first voltage signal such that the bimorph pair 212expands for receiving the fluid 105 along a first flow path 222. Incertain embodiments, the first voltage signal is applied via the powersupply line 220 a. Further, the bimorph pair 212 in mutually adjacentfirst stack 206 b is actuated by applying a second voltage signal suchthat the bimorph pair 212 contracts for discharging the fluid 105 fromthe first flow path 222. In certain embodiments, the second voltagesignal is applied via the power supply line 220 b. Further, the bimorphpair 212 in a mutually adjacent first stack 206 c of the plurality offirst stacks 206 is actuated by applying the first voltage signal suchthat the bimorph pair 212 expands for receiving the fluid 105 along thefirst flow path 222. In certain embodiments, the first voltage signal isapplied via the power supply line 220 c. Further, the bimorph pair 212in a mutually adjacent first stack 206 d is actuated by applying thesecond voltage signal such that the bimorph pair 212 contracts fordischarging the fluid 105 from the first flow path 222. In certainembodiments, the second voltage signal is applied via the power supplyline 220 d. Further, the bimorph pair 212 in a mutually adjacent firststack 206 e of the plurality of first stacks 206 is actuated by applyingthe first voltage signal such that the bimorph pair 212 expands forreceiving the fluid 105 along the first flow path 222. In certainembodiments, the first voltage signal is applied via the power supplyline 220 e. Further, the bimorph pair 212 in a mutually adjacent firststack 206 f is actuated by applying the second voltage signal such thatthe bimorph pair 212 contracts for discharging the fluid 105 from thefirst flow path 222. In certain embodiments, the second voltage signalis applied via the power supply line 220 f.

In some embodiment, the plurality of stacks 202 is configured tosimultaneously pump the fluid 105 from the upstream end 216 to thedownstream end 218. Similarly, the first, second, third, and fourthstacks 206, 208, 256, 258 may be operated to pump the fluid 105 from theupstream end 216 to the downstream end 218. In some embodiments, thebimorph pairs 212 in the plurality of first, second, third, and fourthstacks 206, 208, 256, 258 are configured to pump the fluid 105simultaneously as discussed in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4. In someother embodiments, the bimorph pairs 212 in the plurality of first,second, third, and fourth stacks 206, 208, 256, 258 may be configured topump the fluid 105 sequentially as discussed in the embodiment of FIG.5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional perspective view of a synthetic jet pump 300disposed within a casing 301, according to one embodiment of thedescription. In the illustrated embodiment, the synthetic jet pump 300includes a plurality of first stacks 306, a plurality of second stacks308, and a plurality of third stacks 309, which are arranged in anarray. For example, array has of 3×8 arrangement of the plurality offirst stacks 306, the plurality of second stacks 308, and the pluralityof third stacks 309. It should be noted herein that the synthetic jetpump 300 illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 7 does not show aplurality of first valves, a plurality of second valves, and theplurality of third valves for ease of illustration only.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of first stacks306, the plurality of second stacks 308, and the plurality of thirdstacks 309 includes eight stacks, which are arranged serially relativeto each other along a longitudinal direction 111 of the synthetic jetpump 300. Further, the plurality of second stacks 308 is disposedadjacent to the plurality of first stacks 306 in a parallel arrangementrelative to the plurality of first stacks 306 along a lateral direction121 of the synthetic jet pump 300. Similarly, the plurality of thirdstacks 309 is disposed adjacent to the plurality of second stacks 308 inthe parallel arrangement relative to the plurality of second stacks 308along the lateral direction 121. Each stack of the plurality of first,second, and third stacks 306, 308, 309 includes a plurality of bimorphpairs disposed in a parallel arrangement relative to each other along aradial direction 131 of the synthetic jet pump 300. In the illustratedembodiment, each stack of the plurality of first, second, and thirdstacks 306, 308, 309 may include about twenty-four number of bimorphpairs. In the illustrated embodiment, the synthetic jet pump 300 furtherincludes eight power supply lines 320 a-320 h, which may be configuredto supply electric power to the plurality of first, second, and thirdstacks 306, 308, 309.

In some embodiments, the casing 301 is a multiphase hydrocarbon fluidline, which is configured to transfer multiphase fluid i.e., the fluid105 from a hydrocarbon reservoir to a distant fluid storage facility. Insuch embodiments, the fluid 105 may be electrically non-conductivefluid. In some other embodiments, the casing 301 may be an exhausttransfer pipe line, which may be configured to transfer exhaust from asource, for example, a gas turbine engine to an exhaust treatment systemand the like.

In some embodiments, the synthetic jet pump 300 is substantially similarto the synthetic jet pump 200 discussed in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4.Specifically, the synthetic jet pump 300 is configured such that theplurality of first stacks 306, the plurality of second stacks 308, andthe plurality of third stacks 309 are configured to pump fluid 105simultaneously. In some other embodiments, the synthetic jet pump 300 issubstantially similar to the synthetic jet pump 300 discussed in theembodiment of FIG. 5. Specifically, the synthetic jet pump 300 may beconfigured such that the plurality of first stacks 306, the plurality ofsecond stacks 308, and the plurality of third stacks 309 are configuredto pump the fluid 105 sequentially.

During operation, the synthetic jet pump 300 is disposed within thecasing 301 is configured to receive the fluid 105 from an inlet 390 ofthe casing 301 and pump the fluid 105 through the plurality of firststacks 306, the plurality of second stacks 308, and the plurality ofthird stacks 309, and discharge the fluid 105 to an outlet 392 of thecasing 301.

In one embodiment, a method for pumping fluid using a synthetic jet pumpis presented. The method includes step (i) of actuating a plurality offirst valves to allow intake of a fluid into a plurality of first stacksdisposed in a series arrangement relative to each other. A first stackof the plurality of first stacks includes a plurality of first bimorphpairs. The first bimorph pairs are disposed in a parallel arrangementrelative to each other. The method further includes step (ii) ofactuating a first bimorph pair of a first stack by applying a firstvoltage signal such that the first bimorph pair expands for receivingthe fluid. Further, the method includes step (iii) of actuating amutually adjacent first bimorph pair of a first stack that is seriallyarranged with respect to the first stack of the step (ii), by applying asecond voltage signal such that the mutually adjacent first bimorph paircontracts for discharging the fluid. The second voltage signal is 180degrees phase shifted from the first voltage signal.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 400 for pumping fluid using a synthetic jetpump (as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7), according to oneembodiment of the description.

The method 400 is discussed herein with reference to the embodiment ofFIG. 5. The method 400 includes a step (i) of actuating a plurality offirst valves 126 to allow intake of fluid 105 into a plurality of firststacks 106 disposed in a series arrangement relative to each other, asshown in stage 402. In such embodiments, a first stack of the pluralityof first stacks 106 includes a plurality of first bimorph pairs 113. Thefirst bimorph pairs of the plurality of first bimorph pairs 113 aredisposed in a parallel arrangement relative to each other. Further, themethod 400 includes a step (ii) of actuating a first bimorph pair 113 a,113 b of a first stack 106 a by applying a first voltage signal suchthat the first bimorph pair 113 a, 113 b expands for receiving the fluid105, as shown in stage 404. The method 400 further includes a step (iii)of actuating a mutually adjacent first bimorph pair 113 of a first stack106 b that is serially arranged with respect to the first stack 106 a ofthe step (ii), by applying a second voltage signal such that themutually adjacent first bimorph pair 113 c, 113 d contracts fordischarging the fluid 105, as shown in stage 406. The second voltagesignal is 180 degrees phase shifted from the first voltage signal. Insome embodiments, the steps (ii) and (iii) are performed simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes a step (iv) ofactuating the first bimorph pair 113 a, 113 b of the step (ii) byapplying the second voltage signal such that the first bimorph pair 113a, 113 b contracts for discharging the fluid 105. Further, the method400 includes a step (v) of actuating the mutually adjacent first bimorphpair 113 c, 113 d of the step (iii) by applying the first voltage signalsuch that the mutually adjacent first bimorph pair 113 c, 113 d expandsfor receiving the fluid 105. In such embodiments, the steps (iv) and (v)are performed simultaneously after performing the steps (ii) and (iii).

In one or more embodiments, actuating the first bimorph pair 113 a, 113b of the step (ii) includes applying the first voltage signal tomutually opposite surfaces of the first bimorph pair 113 a, 113 b.Further, actuating the mutually adjacent first bimorph pair 113 c, 113 dof the step (iii) includes applying the second voltage signal tomutually adjacent surfaces of the mutually adjacent first bimorph pair113 c, 113 d.

In some other embodiments, the method 400 further includes a step (iv)of actuating a plurality of second valves 128 to allow intake of thefluid 105 into a plurality of second stacks 108 disposed in a seriesarrangement relative to each other. In such embodiments, a second stackof the plurality of second stacks 108 includes a plurality of secondbimorph pairs 123. The second bimorph pairs of the plurality of secondbimorph pairs 123 are disposed in a parallel arrangement relative toeach other. Further, the method 400 includes a step (v) of actuating asecond bimorph pair 123 a, 123 b of a second stack 108 a by applying thefirst voltage signal such that the second bimorph pair 123 a, 123 bexpands for receiving the fluid 105. The method 400 further includes astep (vi) of actuating a mutually adjacent second bimorph pair 123 c,123 d (as shown in FIG. 4) of a second stack 108 b that is seriallyarranged with respect to the second stack 108 a of the step (v), byapplying the second voltage signal such that the mutually adjacentsecond bimorph pair 123 c, 123 d contracts for discharging the fluid105.

In some embodiments, the plurality of first stacks 106 and the pluralityof second stacks 108 are configured to pump the fluid 105simultaneously, as discussed in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4. In suchembodiments, the steps (ii), (iii) as discussed with respect to theplurality of first stacks 106 and steps (v), (vi) as discussed withrespect to plurality of second stacks 108 are performed simultaneously.In some other embodiments, the plurality of first stacks 106 and theplurality of second stacks 108 are configured to pump the fluid 105sequentially as discussed in the embodiment of FIG. 5. In suchembodiments, the steps (ii), (iii) as discussed with respect to theplurality of first stacks 106 and steps (v), (vi) as discussed withrespect to the plurality of second stacks 108, are performedsequentially.

The synthetic jet pump of the present disclosure may be arranged in anarray to fit in a wide variety of applications such as exhaust transferpipe line or multiphase hydrocarbon fluid flow line, and the like. Incertain embodiments, the synthetic jet pump may be scalable in desiredoutput inline flow rate by increasing size of each bimorph pair andnumber of bimorph pairs in each stack of one or both of plurality offirst and second stacks. Further, the synthetic jet pump may be scalableto increase total flow volume by adding number of parallel sequences ofthe plurality of stacks. Further, the synthetic jet pump may be easy tofit in any existing space or area due to its flexibility of layout,thereby allowing use in many retrofit applications. Further, the lack ofpistons or bearings or motors may provide for reliability and longershelf life of the synthetic jet pump.

While only certain features of embodiments have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications and changes will occur to thoseskilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appendedclaims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes asfalling within the spirit of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A synthetic jet pump comprising: a plurality of first stacks disposed in a series arrangement relative to each other, wherein a first stack of the plurality of first stacks comprises: a plurality of first connector pairs coupled to a first support structure, wherein the first connector pairs are disposed in a parallel arrangement relative to each other; and a plurality of first bimorph pairs, wherein the first bimorph pairs are disposed in a parallel arrangement relative to each other, and wherein a bimorph of one of the first bimorph pairs is coupled to a corresponding connector of the plurality of first connector pairs; a plurality of first valves disposed at an upstream end of the plurality of first stacks, wherein a valve of the plurality of first valves is movably coupled to the corresponding connector of the plurality of the first connector pairs; a plurality of second stacks disposed in a series arrangement relative to each other and disposed adjacent to the plurality of first stacks in a parallel arrangement relative to the plurality of first stacks, wherein a second stack of the plurality of second stacks comprises: a plurality of second connector pairs coupled to a second support structure, wherein the second connector pairs are disposed in a parallel arrangement relative to each other; and a plurality of second bimorph pairs, wherein the second bimorph pairs are disposed in a parallel arrangement relative to each other, and wherein a bimorph of one of the second bimorph pairs is coupled to a corresponding connector of the plurality of second connector pairs.
 2. The synthetic jet pump of claim 1, wherein each bimorph of the plurality of first bimorph pairs comprises a piezoelectric material.
 3. The synthetic jet pump of claim 2, wherein mutually opposite surfaces of a first bimorph pair of the plurality of first bimorph pairs have different polarities, where a first surface has a first polarity and a second surface opposite the first surface of the first bimorph pair of the plurality of first bimorph pairs has a second polarity different from the first polarity.
 4. The synthetic jet pump of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first stacks are coupled to each other via a connector of the plurality of first connector pairs such that a downstream end of a bimorph in a first stack is in fluid communication with an upstream end of a bimorph of an adjacent and serially arranged first stack.
 5. The synthetic jet pump of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of second valves disposed at an upstream end of the plurality of second stacks, wherein a valve of the plurality of second valves is movably coupled to the corresponding connector of the plurality of the second connector pairs.
 6. The synthetic jet pump of claim 5, wherein each bimorph of the plurality of second bimorph pairs comprises a piezoelectric material.
 7. The synthetic jet pump of claim 6, wherein mutually opposite surfaces of a second bimorph pair of the plurality of second bimorph pairs have different polarities, where a first surface has a first polarity and a second surface opposite the first surface of the second bimorph pair of the plurality of second bimorph pairs has a second polarity different from the first polarity.
 8. The synthetic jet pump of claim 7, wherein the plurality of first stacks and the plurality of second stacks are arranged in an array.
 9. A method for pumping fluid using a synthetic jet pump, comprising steps of: (i) actuating a plurality of first valves to allow intake of a fluid into a plurality of first stacks disposed in a series arrangement relative to each other, wherein a first stack of the plurality of first stacks comprises a plurality of first bimorph pairs, wherein the first bimorph pairs are disposed in a parallel arrangement relative to each other; (ii) actuating a first bimorph pair of the first stack in the plurality of first stacks by applying a first voltage signal such that the first bimorph pair expands for receiving the fluid; and (iii) actuating a mutually adjacent first bimorph pair of a first stack that is serially arranged with respect to the first stack of the step (ii), by applying a second voltage signal such that the mutually adjacent first bimorph pair contracts for discharging the fluid, wherein the second voltage signal is 180 degrees phase shifted from the first voltage signal.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the steps (ii) and (iii) are performed simultaneously.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising a step of (iv) actuating the first bimorph pair of the step (ii) by applying the second voltage signal such that the first bimorph pair contracts for discharging the fluid.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising a step of (v) actuating the mutually adjacent first bimorph pair of the step (iii) by applying the first voltage signal such that the mutually adjacent first bimorph pair expands for receiving the fluid.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the steps (iv) and (v) are performed simultaneously after performing the steps (ii) and (iii).
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein actuating the first bimorph pair of the step (ii) comprises applying the first voltage signal to mutually opposite surfaces of the first bimorph pair.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein actuating the mutually adjacent first bimorph pair of the step (iii) comprises applying the second voltage signal to mutually adjacent surfaces of the mutually adjacent first bimorph pair.
 16. The method of claim 9, further comprising steps of: (iv) actuating a plurality of second valves to allow intake of the fluid into a plurality of second stacks disposed in a series arrangement relative to each other, wherein a second stack of the plurality of second stacks comprises a plurality of second bimorph pairs, wherein the second bimorph pairs are disposed in a parallel arrangement relative to each other; (v) actuating a second bimorph pair of a second stack by applying the first voltage signal such that the second bimorph pair expands for receiving the fluid; and (vi) actuating a mutually adjacent second bimorph pair of a second stack that is serially arranged with respect to the second stack of the step (v), by applying the second voltage signal such that the mutually adjacent second bimorph pair contracts for discharging the fluid.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the plurality of first stacks and the plurality of second stacks are configured to pump the fluid simultaneously.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the plurality of first stacks and the plurality of second stacks are configured to pump the fluid sequentially. 